Department for Transport

Bus Services and Railways: Coronavirus

lord bradshaw: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure bus and train services can operate safely when lockdown restrictions are lifted, in particular in relation to (1) social distancing, and (2) personal protective equipment for staff.

baroness vere of norbiton: Keeping transport workers and passengers safe is of paramount importance. Working closely with other Government Departments, Public Health England, the Health and Safety Executive and the transport sector, we have produced guidance for organisations and transport users. The guidance sets out how passengers and staff can be as safe as possible when on the transport system, including by complying with social distancing guidelines. Where social distancing is difficult to maintain, we are recommending the use of face coverings for passengers and staff. Where operators already use PPE to protect against non-COVID-19 risks, they should continue to do so. Additional PPE beyond this is not beneficial for managing COVID-19 risks. COVID-19 is best managed in the workplace through changes such as social distancing and enhanced hygiene rather than PPE. We will keep all our guidance under review and update it based on emerging evidence, including from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), and the experience of the relaxation of lockdown restrictions.

British Airways: Redundancy

baroness randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on Heathrow airport of reports that British Airways plans to make up to 12,000 staff redundant.

baroness vere of norbiton: We recognise the impact of British Airways announcement will be very distressing news for BA employees and their families, and we stand ready to support them. The aviation sector is essential to the UK economy, and firms can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees. If airlines find themselves in trouble as a result of coronavirus and have exhausted the measures already available to them, the Transport Secretary is clear that the Government is prepared to enter discussions with individual companies seeking bespoke support as a last resort. The Transport Secretary, Aviation Minister and DfT officials are in regular contact with the aviation sector, ensuring that the Government is kept fully aware of the latest developments with all firms and to understand where additional policy measures could address specific industry issues.

Cars: Exhaust Emissions

baroness randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the report Decarbonising Transport:Setting the Challenge, published on 4 March, andthe reported relationship between the increase in the purchase of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and theaverage CO2 emissions per mile for new cars risingsince 2016, what plans they have to discourage the purchase of SUVs.

baroness vere of norbiton: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cars, including SUVs, is a key priority for the Government’s forthcoming Transport Decarbonisation Plan. There are three primary measures to achieve this:(i) regulation that requires manufacturers to reduce the average CO2 emissions of new vehicles registered in the UK;(ii) speeding up the transition to zero emission vehicles. The Department is investing around £2.5 billion in grants for plug-in vehicles and funding to support the roll out of improved charge point infrastructure, as well as consulting on bringing forward the end to the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans from 2040 to 2035, or earlier if a faster transition appears feasible;(iii) making public transport and active travel the natural first choice for our daily activities.

Electric Vehicles: Charging Points

baroness randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made towards encouraging operators providing electric vehicle charging infrastructure tointroducea single payment method for all public chargepoints.

baroness vere of norbiton: The Government wants the consumer experience of electric vehicle charging to be straightforward and hassle free. In July 2019 the Department challenged industry to provide debit and credit card payment at all newly installed rapid chargepoints by spring of this year, and to develop a roaming solution across the charging network, allowing electric vehicle drivers to use any public chargepoint through a single payment method. While the industry has responded with the majority of new rapid chargepoints offering contactless payment, further action is necessary to ensure drivers can access all public chargepoints with ease. The Department will therefore consult later this year on a range of measures aimed at making charging electric vehicles just as easy as filling up a traditional petrol or diesel car, including ease of payment.

Buses: Exhaust Emissions

baroness randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their target date for all buses to be ultra-low, or zero, emission.

baroness vere of norbiton: Transport, including buses, has a significant role to play in the economy reaching net zero. In “Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge”, published in March, the Department noted there are no current Government targets set for buses in this respect. The forthcoming Transport Decarbonisation Plan will set out how we will tackle transport emissions and get all road vehicles to ultimately be zero-emission.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

baroness bowles of berkhamsted: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether some banks are requiring companies to freeze all loans and leasing with other financing institutions before agreeing loans under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme; and whether they consider such conditions are appropriate in the context of an 80per cent guarantee from them.

lord callanan: Since the launch of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), the Government has worked closely with the financial services sector to ensure that companies receive the full benefits from this support. Accredited lenders are responsible for providing loans under the CBILS. Lending decisions on whether a business is eligible to access the CBILS are fully delegated to the accredited lenders, and individual lending decisions remain at the discretion of these lenders. My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State continues to work with banks and other finance providers to help SMEs access the finance they need and has discussed with these organisations the alternative forms of support for businesses that they are offering. The Government welcomed the statement by UK Finance on behalf of the financial sector which announced that banks, building societies and credit card providers are committed to supporting their business customers in continuing to trade.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

baroness bowles of berkhamsted: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether it is appropriate for banks to make discretionary charges for any personal contact for the arrangement of coronavirus business loans; and whether there are any conditions on the fees that are covered under the scheme.

lord callanan: Under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) the Government will make a payment to cover the first 12 months of interest payments and any facility arrangement fees charged by lenders, so businesses will benefit from lower upfront costs and initial repayments. The exact terms of each loan under the CBILS are delegated to the 50+ accredited lenders and will vary from lender to lender. However, the Government expects that the benefit of the guarantee under the CBILS is fully reflected in the interest that is charged on the CBILS facility. This expectation is re-enforced by the State aid rules that also require this. If businesses are worried about the specific terms of finance facilities available under this scheme, they should speak to their usual lender. My Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State continues to hold a dialogue with all major CBILS lenders to monitor the implementation of the scheme.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

baroness bowles of berkhamsted: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the requirement on the British Business Bank website that Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme loans must ‘have a borrowing proposal which the lender would consider viable, were it not for the pandemic’ means that loans required to assist with the situation caused by the pandemic and lockdown are not eligible; and if so, how that has been communicated to businesses.

lord callanan: The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) provides financial support to small and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus. In order for a business to be eligible for the CBILS, it must be considered “viable” by the lender prior to the onset of Covid-19. The lender must consider that the applicant (or its business group) has a viable business proposition determined by the lender’s underwriting policies. The viability test was amended in April to remove the requirement for lenders to include a ‘forward-looking’ element, which required an assessment of whether the business can trade out of the Covid-19 crisis. This means that any concerns over its short-to-medium term business performance due to the uncertainty and impact of COVID-19 cannot be taken into account when a lender is considering an application for loan. The applicant however must still satisfy the other eligibility criteria of the CBILS. For smaller value facilities (e.g. those of £30,000 or below), in determining the eligibility of the applicant, lenders may decide to determine the applicant’s credit worthiness based on its internal credit scoring models. Changes have also been made to the eligibility criterion which previously required the applicant (or its business group) to have a business proposition that can reasonably be expected to enable it to meet its repayment obligations under a proposed facility. Since the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme was launched, Government has listened to feedback from stakeholders and made changes to ensure that loans are processed as quickly as possible and businesses get the support they need. These changes include: Extending the scheme so that all viable small businesses affected by Covid-19 are eligible;Removing previous restrictions on the following groups to enable them to access the CBILS, subject to other eligibility criteria being met: Employer, professional, religious or political membership organisations and trade unions;Removing the ability for lenders to ask for personal guarantees for loans under £250,000, and reducing the personal guarantee for loans over £250,000 to 20% of the outstanding balance after recoveries;Introducing technical changes to ensure that applications will be processed faster;Removing the forward-looking viability test; andRemoving the per lender portfolio cap.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

baroness bowles of berkhamsted: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the requirement for Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme applications to include a business plan means that cashflow statements are required; and if so, what assessment they have made of whether it is appropriate to request such cash flow statements when the effect and duration of the pandemic is unclear.

lord callanan: Since the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme was launched, Government has listened to feedback from stakeholders and made changes to ensure that loans are processed as quickly as possible and businesses get the support they need. Government has removed the forward-looking viability test that required an assessment of whether the business can trade out of the crisis. The only test that remains is whether a business was viable before Covid-19.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

baroness bowles of berkhamsted: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, any conditionality by the lender is permitted for the bounce back micro-loans; and whether that funding is automatic following ticks on an application form.

lord callanan: The Bounce Back Loan Scheme has been designed to enable businesses to access finance quickly. Businesses are required to complete an online application form, which is expected to be assessed by their lender within a matter of days. In some instances, the lender may ask a business for additional information, such as an HMRC self-assessment tax return to verify its status as a business. Businesses from all sectors can apply for a facility. The business must self-certify to its lender the following:Confirm it is UK-based in its business activity, and established by 1 March 2020;Confirm it has been adversely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19);Confirm it is not currently using a government-backed Coronavirus loan scheme (unless using BBLS to refinance a whole facility); andConfirm it is not in bankruptcy, liquidation or undergoing debt restructuring.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

baroness bowles of berkhamsted: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether money laundering checks are impeding businesses from approaching alternative lenders to their own bank for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme; what percentage of loans are granted via applications to a different lender; and whether in-person presentation and certifications are required for money laundering checks to be carried out.

lord callanan: It is important that thorough due diligence is conducted by lenders as part of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Businesses are free to apply for a CBILS facility from any of the 50+ accredited lenders. Lending decisions are fully delegated to the lenders. As such, money laundering checks are subject to each lender’s internal policy. The robustness of these policies is thoroughly tested before a lender can become accredited to CBILS. The British Business Bank does not hold information regarding an applicant’s banking or borrowing history.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

lord carrington: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to allow dairy farmers affected by the collapse of the service trade during the COVID-19 pandemic to access the Retail Grant Hospitality Scheme or apply for bounce back loans in response to such farmers reported difficulty in accessing the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.

lord callanan: The Government has announced a package of measures designed to support businesses facing difficulties in this period of uncertainty, including the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF), and the Bounce Back Loans Scheme. Businesses in England that would have been in receipt of the Expanded Retail Discount (which covers retail, hospitality and leisure) on 11 March with a rateable value of less than £51,000 will be eligible for the following cash grants per property via the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund:Eligible businesses in these sectors with a property that has a rateable value of up to and including £15,000 will receive a grant of £10,000.Eligible businesses in these sectors with a property that has a rateable value of over £15,000 and less than £51,000 will receive a grant of £25,000. Guidance on the types of businesses covered by the Expanded Retail Discount can be found on the GOV.UK website. Any enquiries on eligibility for, or provision of the RHLGF should be directed to the relevant local authority.

Aerospace Industry: Coronavirus

lord jones of cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to support (1) Airbus, and (2) other aerospace companies to (a) ensure the survival of such companies, and (b) protect high-skilled jobs in the aerospace industry, during, and after, the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord callanan: The Government regularly speaks with Airbus, as well as other aerospace companies and the Aerospace Growth Partnership, to assist the sector through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department has discussed the immediate challenges of the crisis with representatives from the sector, including how to help companies survive, and what will be needed to assist recovery in the aerospace sector after the pandemic. Aerospace companies are also accessing the unprecedented package of support measures the Government has put in place, including loans, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees.

Conditions of Employment: Disease Control

lord mann: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps theDepartment for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy istaking to support employees who are still attending work and not shielding but have conditions that increase their vulnerability; and in particular in cases where employers are not willing, or able to support, such employees.

lord callanan: The Government has introduced important social distancing measures for all types of businesses to consider in order to minimise the risk of transmission in the workplace. The Government has been clear that it is vital that all employers follow this guidance, which is clinically led and based on expert advice. The Government has stated that vulnerable people who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) need to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures. Additionally, the government guidance sets out that members of staff who are vulnerable or extremely vulnerable, as well as individuals whom they live with, should be supported by their employers as they follow the required social distancing and shielding measures. If a business is not operating in line with the government guidance, there is a role for the relevant health and safety enforcing authority – the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or a Local Authority. Where the enforcing authority identifies employers who are not taking action to comply with the relevant public health legislation and guidance to control public health risks – for example, employers not taking appropriate action to socially distance or ensure workers in the shielded category can follow the NHS advice to self-isolate for the period specified – the enforcing authority will consider taking a range of actions to improve control of workplace risks. These actions include the provision of specific advice to employers through to issuing enforcement notices to help secure improvements with the guidance.

Housing: Energy

lord stunell: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment have they made of the number of certified retrofit coordinators required under PAS2035:2019 that (1) will be required to support the delivery of the Retrofit Standards Framework at its commencement in June 2021; (2) are currently certified; and (3) are awaiting certification; and whether they are satisfied that there will be enough coordinators to enable the planned Whole House Retrofit policy in England to be delivered to the original timescale.

lord callanan: We estimate that 250 – 1,000 retrofit coordinators will be required to meet the PAS2035:2019 requirements for the Energy Company Obligation. The number of retrofit coordinators required will depend on the number of projects and the number of measures per project. Currently, around 80 people have graduated from the training with around an additional 230 going through the process. The training can be provided fully on-line and we are monitoring uptake as well as considering options to increase it should we deem it necessary.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

viscount trenchard: To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they have made in discussions with the European Commission about amendments to the Temporary Framework for State aid measures to support the economy in the current COVID-19 outbreak, adopted on 19 March, to permit small and medium enterprises whose capital is principally represented by long-term shareholders' loans but whose businesses were viable until the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for loans under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme; and whether they have raised in such discussions the case for permitting those enterprises to apply for such loans even if those businesses could be deemed as ‘undertakings in difficulty’ under EU State Aid rules.

lord callanan: Although the UK has left the EU, under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, the EU State Aid rules continue to apply in the UK until the end of the Transition Period. The State aid rules are a sole competence of the European Commission. The Commission has introduced some flexibilities into the rules to deal with the impacts of the Coronavirus, in the form of a Temporary Framework. The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) is a State Aid approved scheme under the European Commission’s Temporary State Aid Framework. Companies that do not pass the ‘undertaking in difficulty’ test are eligible for support, in recognition of the impact of Coronavirus, unless they were in difficulty on 31 December 2019, prior to the outbreak.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

lord bassam of brighton: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to re-open the Academic Technology Approval Scheme certification scheme.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requires all non EEA students subject to existing UK immigration permissions to obtain an ATAS certificate before they can apply for a visa to study a postgraduate qualification in subjects which could be used to assist programmes related to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. The decision by the Home Office to suspend all Visa Applications and close its Visa processing network, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, means that if an ATAS certificate were to be granted it could not be used. On 6 April, in consultation with other departments, we suspended ATAS. This suspension will remain in place until such time as we are able to properly assess applications. ATAS assessments require access to sensitive information and we placed the duty of care to assessment staff above maintaining a system which was not required while no visas are being issued. We have created processes for students already in the UK who need to extend their stay in the UK. These can be accessed through the Home Office Covid helpline or directly to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office through the university.

Iraq: Refugees

lord hylton: To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the number of people resident in Makhmur refugee camp in Northern Iraq; what assessment they have made of reports that the camp (1) was hit by a Turkish drone strike on 15 April, and (2) has been subject to three such attacks since December 2017; and what representations, if any, they have made to (a) the government of Turkey about any such attacks, and (b) the Kurdistan Regional Government about its blockade of that camp.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We understand around 12,000 people are resident in Mukhmur refugee camp in northern Iraq. We closely monitor reports of Turkish airstrikes in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which Turkey has said were targeting members of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). We share concerns about restrictions imposed by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on the movement of camp residents. Our Consulate General in Erbil discussed these concerns with the KRG authorities in April.

Saudi Arabia: Capital Punishment

lord judd: To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Saudi Arabia about the application of its royal decree to end the death penalty for crimes committed by minors; andwhat clarification they have sought as to whether that decreeapplies to all (1) children, and (2) adults whose alleged crimes were committed while they were children, who are currently on death row.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We welcome the decision by Saudi Arabia to end the use of the death penalty as a discretionary punishment for minors, including those under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged crime. We will monitor the implementation of this decision.The Saudi authorities understand our position: we oppose the death penalty in all circumstances and especially in cases that involve child defendants. This position is in line with the minimum standards set out in the 2008 EU Guidelines on the Death Penalty; the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and, the Arab Charter on Human Rights.The former Minister for the Middle East and North Africa raised our concerns about the death penalty with Deputy Justice Minister HE Abdullah Al Sulaimi on 11 February. The Foreign Secretary also raised our human rights concerns with Saudi Arabia during his visit in March this year.We will continue to raise our concerns with the Government of Saudi Arabia to promote the protection of all child defendants against the death penalty regardless of the crime committed. We will encourage the authorities to review death penalty judgements for all minors, or individuals who were minors when the crime was committed.

North Africa: Security

lord patten: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the level of current (1) terrorist, and (2) other security, threats in (1) Libya, (2) Tunisia, (3) Algeria, and (4) Morocco.

lord ahmad of wimbledon: We continue to monitor terrorist and security threats, especially to UK interests, across North Africa. We are deeply concerned by the continuing conflict in Libya, which has an impact beyond Libya's borders. We continue to urge all Libyan parties to observe a ceasefire and return to UN-led political talks. We work closely with the governments of Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco to promote an end to the fighting in Libya and the wider security and development of the region. UK programming, through the Conflict, Security and Stability Fund, supports these aims.

Mexico: Religious Freedom

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the kidnapping of Pastor Aarón Méndez Ruiz and Alfredo Castillo de Luna by a criminal group in Mexico in August 2019 and reports that they have been denied access to water, electricity and other basic services in order to force them to renounce their faith; and what assessment they have made of the level of violence against religious leaders in Mexico since 1 September 2019.

baroness sugg: The British Embassy in Mexico City is aware of, and monitoring the cases of Pastor Aarón Méndez Ruiz and Alfredo Castillo de Luna. The UK Government continues to engage regularly with Mexican authorities at ministerial, official, and state levels to discuss human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), and to support a broad human rights agenda in Mexico. Most recently, the Minister for the Americas and Minister for Asia discussed human rights with the Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister when he visited London on 9 March. During the Foreign Secretary's visit to Mexico in August 2019, he raised human rights with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who expressed his support for working with the UK both bilaterally and multilaterally to protect human rights. Additionally, Baroness Williams raised FoRB with the Mexican Interior Minister in September 2019.While civil society organisations continue to report cases of FoRB violations in Mexico, assessment by the Mexican Government, the local UN Human Rights office, and local civil society organisations is that while there are cases of individuals being targeted because of their religion or beliefs, people are more often targeted for their work and activities in defence of human rights. At the UN Universal Periodic Review session in November 2018, the UK made recommendations regarding accountability for human rights violations, and addressing impunity for violence against human rights defenders.

Africa: Coronavirus

lord hain: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on peace and security in Africa.

baroness sugg: COVID-19, and it's economic consequences, will disproportionately adversely affect countries with existing humanitarian crises and high risk of instability, including countries in conflict and those at risk of seasonal climatic shocks. Supporting countries in Africa to mitigate the impacts of COVID 19 on peace and security is important and in the UK interest. The UK is considering this in our political engagement and international response.Disrupted markets and trade, as well as the effects of lockdown measures will affect countries and regions with existing high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition, increasing the need for support, while global supply chains to deliver humanitarian support continue to be significantly disrupted. Humanitarian access is also more difficult, including for essential international medical personnel.Increased pressure on state institutions and stringent lockdown conditions may exacerbate existing tensions on access to resources and, with security forces more stretched than usual, could have implications for stability.

Nigeria: Christianity

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the reported (1) arrest of Professor Richard Soloman Tarfa on 25 December 2019,(2) closure of the Du Merci Orphanage, and (3) demolition order addressed to the Du Merci Centre orphanage dated 29 April, in Nigeria.

baroness sugg: The British High Commission in Abuja has raised Professor Tarfa's case with the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria and the Kano State authorities. The UK Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Rehman Chishti MP, has also raised the case at a senior level within the Federal Government. We have stressed the need for the Nigerian Authorities to prioritise the welfare of the children involved. We have also underlined the importance of an open and transparent legal process for Mr Tarfa, in accordance with Nigerian law and international human rights standards.

British Overseas Territories: Coronavirus

lord jones of cheltenham: To ask Her Majesty's Government (1) what assistance they have given to the Overseas Territories to help cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) which Overseas Territories have introduced testing for COVID-19.

baroness sugg: The Government is firmly committed to supporting the Overseas Territories in dealing with the various impacts of COVID-19. I am in regular contact with the political leaders and Governors of the Territories, to understand the situation on the ground, discuss their needs and identify how we can best support them. I am overseeing a cross-Whitehall Unit, led by officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development, to support the Territories on four key areas - healthcare, economy, security, and access (for transport and supplies). We have provided essential medical equipment, medical advice and facilitated the recruitment of healthcare professionals where needed. We have boosted testing capabilities in all the inhabited Territories, except Tristan da Cunha and Pitcairn where there are no cases of COVID-19. The testing capabilities will not only benefit the response to COVID-19 but will also support the testing of other diseases. We are also providing financial support to mitigate the economic impacts in the most vulnerable Territories.

Department of Health and Social Care

Coronavirus: Hospitals

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to build new hospitals to cope with any influx of COVID-19 patients.

lord bethell: The Government has taken a number of actions to ensure the National Health Service has sufficient hospital capacity to care for COVID-19 patients, including:- in order to plan for reasonable worst-case scenarios, we have opened a number of Nightingale hospitals across England, which will provide thousands of extra beds if local services need them as a result of the virus;- the NHS has created extra capacity of 33,000 additional beds freed up across NHS hospitals – the equivalent of building 50 district general hospitals - plus 8,000 beds through an unprecedented deal with the independent sector;- in addition, since February the Government has been running a new capital facility to provide additional funding to NHS organisations, where needed for any urgent building works linked to the coronavirus response; and- this is on top of the 40 new hospitals and 20 hospital upgrades the Government announced as part of the Health Infrastructure Plan – which we are continuing to deliver and committed to doing so as soon as possible.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

lord kennedy of southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the actions taken by the government of Sweden in regard to social distancing on slowing the spread of COVID-19.

lord bethell: Direct comparisons between countries are difficult. Outbreak responses includes packages of control measures and the components of packages differ between countries, as do the times at which they are introduced. Real-time comparisons of impacts of COVID-19 on different countries are likely to be less accurate and less useful than the comparisons that we can expect to occur at the end of the pandemic, when complete data are likely to be available.

Coronavirus: Mental Health Services

baroness uddin: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to ensure frontline workers are provided with support and counselling following the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord bethell: The Government has provided £5 million to fund a collaboration between Mind, Samaritans, Shout and Hospice UK that provides information, emotional support and access to a crisis text service for people working on the frontline.The Department has commissioned NHS England to develop a comprehensive emotional, psychological and practical support package for National Health Service staff during and following the COVID-19 response. This currently includes: free access to well-being apps; a dedicated support helpline and text service (in partnership with the Samaritans); and a separate helpline offering bereavement support (in partnership with Hospice UK). The Department is working with partners to extend both helplines to the social care workforce and will also be introducing an app and website aimed at providing timely information for the adult social care workforce.

Ambulance Services: Protective Clothing

lord marlesford: To ask Her Majesty's Government in which NHS ambulance service trust areas paramedics do not have access to full personal protection equipment when transporting suspected COVID-19 patients.

lord bethell: This information is not held.Regular guidance has been issued to ambulance trusts on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including on the personal protective equipment (PPE) that should be used in different circumstances. Staff should ensure the correct level of PPE is worn dependent on the patient presentation and the clinical skills that are required during patient care.We are aware of the concerns about the supply of PPE. COVID-19 is generating unprecedented global demand on the supply chain, combined with a manufacturing slowdown in affected countries. The Government, NHS Supply Chain, and the National Health Service are doing everything to work with industry to secure additional supplies and manufacture further PPE.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much financial, or in-kind, assistance they have provided to care homes and home care providers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; and how much of that assistance was given to for-profit care homes and home care providers.

lord bethell: We have set out a comprehensive action plan to support the adult social care sector in England throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, including ramping up testing, overhauling the way personal protective equipment is being delivered to care homes and helping to minimise the spread of the virus to keep people safe.On 19 March we announced £1.6 billion to help local authorities deal with the immediate impacts of COVID-19, which many councils will have directed towards adult social care services. On 18 April we announced an additional £1.6 billion of funding to support councils delivering essential frontline services. We do not collect centrally the breakdown of local authority support for different types of care providers.This funding is part of the Government’s commitment to ensure the National Health Service and social care system, and other public services, have the resources required to tackle COVID-19. The Government will continue to monitor pressures in the NHS and local government and will keep future funding under review.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government why their Admission and Care of Residents during COVID-19 Incident in a Care Home guidance, published on 2 April, does not recommend that a resident should be isolated until they have had two negative laboratory tests for COVID-19 taken at least 24 hours apart after the resident’s symptoms have resolved; why that guidance does not require the use of eye protection when staff are working within two 2 metres of a resident; and why that guidance does not specify what personal protection equipment should be worn by cleaners in care homes.

lord bethell: The Admission and Care of Residents during COVID-19 Incident in a Care Home guidance advised a 14-day isolation period over testing, based on the evidence available at the time of publication. The duration was chosen as a pre-cautionary measure and was informed by the recommendation of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group and multiple Government advisory groups.Care home staff are advised to wear eye protection if a two-metre distance cannot be maintained and there is needed for certain tasks where there is risk of droplets or secretions from the resident’s mouth, nose, lungs or from body fluids reaching the eyes, for example prolonged tasks near residents who are repeatedly coughing or who may be vomiting.Eye protection is not required when care home workers are not within two metres of someone with a cough. This advice applies to all care home staff, including cleaners.Care home staff working in communal areas with residents but with no direct contact with residents although potentially within two metres of residents, do not need to wear eye protection.

Health Services and Social Services: Protective Clothing

lord adonis: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have for Lord Deighton, appointed to lead the national effort to produce essential personal protective equipment for frontline health and social care staff on 18 April, to give a statement to the House about his work on that effort. [T]

lord bethell: Lord Deighton is an unpaid advisor to the Government and not a Departmental Minister. Ministers are responsible to Parliament for the work of the Department.

Dental Services: Fees and Charges

lord colwyn: To ask Her Majesty's Government when the National Health Service (Dental Charges) Regulations 2005 will be amended to set out any revised NHS dental charges in England for the year commencing April 2020.

lord bethell: In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic climate a decision was made to freeze dental patient charges at 2019/20 levels. This is a temporary freeze being kept under review. No changes have been made to current dental exemption arrangements.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

lord kennedy of southwark: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment was made of the effect of 'superspreaders' in the epidemiological models used to predict the spread of COVID-19.

lord bethell: The Government relies on modelling work undertaken by several academic groups, who report to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies through its various subgroups. A collection of modelling information, including methodologies, which has informed decision making on COVID-19 has now been published online on GOV.UK and further papers will be published online at regular intervals.

Hospitals: Coronavirus

baroness manzoor: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many BAME NHS staff have been diverted to the COVID-19 frontline in NHS hospitals since 1 January; and what percentage of those moves were not to provide additional capacity but to fill vacant roles.

lord bethell: The Department does not hold the data requested.

Social Workers: Mental Health Services

the lord bishop of newcastle: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans are in place to provide mental health support for the social care workforce (1) during, and (2) after, the COVID-19 pandemic.

lord bethell: The Government wants everybody working in social care to feel like they have somewhere to turn, or someone to talk to, when they are finding things difficult.Samaritans, Shout, Hospice UK and Mind have collaborated to launch ‘Our Frontline’ to provide information, emotional support and access to a crisis text service for frontline workers, including in social care. The Department has also launched an app that contains resources that focus on mental and physical wellbeing including access to wellbeing apps designed to provide support during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.Hospice UK has also extended its bereavement and trauma line to provide dedicated support to social care staff and the Department is working with Samaritans to extend its dedicated listening service to the social care workforce as soon as possible.

Health Professions: Training

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government what financial and practical provision they will make for the final-year cohort of nursing, midwifery and associated health professional students who have not opted to cut short their courses to work in the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic, but who may see those courses extend past the planned date for qualifying.

lord bethell: Universities and practice learning partners are working together to try and ensure students' learning outcomes are met and competencies are signed off to complete the programme at the expected time. However, as in usual circumstances, some students may need to extend beyond three years if they cannot meet the required learning outcomes or minimum clinical hour requirements.Work is ongoing across Government with key partners to agree the arrangements for final year students who may need to extend beyond three years, the outcomes of which will be communicated as soon as possible.

Immigrants: Health Services

lord alton of liverpool: To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that people with irregular migration status in the UK are informed about (1) free access to NHS treatment for COVID-19, (2) treatment for COVID-19, and (3) treatment for underlying medical conditions if hospitalised from COVID-19 related complications.

lord bethell: Regulations came into force on 29 January 2020 to add Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) (now known as COVID-19) to Schedule 1 of the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015. This means there can be no charge made to an overseas visitor for the diagnosis, or, if positive, treatment, of COVID-19. The exemption from charge does not extend to any pre-existing conditions, unless separately exempt under the Regulations.This message has been disseminated to National Health Service staff, the public and organisations representing vulnerable migrant groups. It has also been published in 40 languages on Public Health England’s Migrant Health Guide.

NHS: Civil Proceedings

lord blencathra: To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to introducing emergency legislation to place a cap on litigation claims against the NHS.

lord bethell: The rising costs of clinical negligence are a major issue and something we are committed to tackling, given that National Health Service funds spent on clinical negligence are resources not available for front-line care. The Department is working intensively across Government, looking at a wide range of options to address the drivers of cost of clinical negligence claims. We will update Parliament in due course.

Social Services: Finance

lord pendry: To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the announcement that the Welsh Government is giving additional payments to care workers, what consideration they have given to making similar payments.

lord bethell: The National Minimum Wage and Living Wage apply across social care and we expect local authorities to work with providers to determine a fair rate of pay.

NHS: Computer Software

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to incentivise the use of the NHS COVID-19 tracing application.

lord bethell: The National Health Service will be launching a major campaign to support the launch of the app.

NHS: Computer Software

lord taylor of warwick: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to offer online tutorials to those with a learning disability on how to use the NHS COVID-19 contact tracing application.

lord bethell: We are working with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to mitigate the impact of digital exclusion. We are committed to regular audits of the app by independent specialist assessors to conduct usability testing of the app, including dedicated research to solely focus on accessibility, as part of a wider strategy to ensure nobody is excluded. We have published an Accessibility Statement which will be kept under review and updated as necessary.

NHS: Computer Software

lord scriven: To ask Her Majesty's Government how much the NHS COVID-19 tracing application has cost (1) to develop, (2) to test, and (3) to make operational.

lord bethell: The Department has launched the first phase of a large-scale, integrated contact test and trace programme on the Isle of Wight. This phased approach will allow us to learn about and improve the service as it is rolled out across the United Kingdom. We intend to roll out the National Health Service COVID-19 app nationally in the coming weeks. As the app is still in development, testing phases final costs are not available, and we continue to work with NHSX and HM Treasury to identify and agree funding requirements for the roll out of the app.

Department for Education

Students: Grants

baroness randerson: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to offer emergency hardship grants to university students from low income households

baroness berridge: As both my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer have made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected by COVID-19. Higher education (HE) providers take their responsibilities seriously and are best placed to identify the needs of their student body, as well as how to develop the services needed to support it. HE providers need to consider how they support all students, particularly the most vulnerable, to achieve successful academic and professional outcomes. Many providers will have hardship funds to support students in times of need, including emergencies. The expectation is that where any student requires additional support, providers will support them through their own hardship funds. We have worked closely with the Office for Students to enable providers to draw upon existing funding to increase hardship funds and support disadvantaged students impacted by COVID-19. As a result, providers will be able to use the funding, worth around £23 million per month for April and May, towards student hardship funds, including the purchase of IT equipment, and mental health support, as well as to support providers’ access and participation plans.Students with a part-time employment contract should speak to their employer about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which has been set up to help pay staff wages and keep people in employment.

Foreign Students: Coronavirus

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government what provision they are making to ensure international students can return to the UK to resume their studies who left the UK to return home for the duration of the lockdown, and what support they will provide to international students who are no longer in a position to return to the UK to complete their studies due to financial losses as a result of the crisis.

baroness berridge: The government is applying discretion under current circumstances to ensure that international students are not negatively impacted due to COVID-19. We have published bespoke Tier 4 visa guidance for students and sponsors affected by changes to UK immigration and borders due to COVID-19. This guidance includes the latest information for those who might have questions around visa expiry, switching visa category within the UK and distance learning – it also specifically confirms that sponsors do not need to withdraw sponsorship if a student is unable to attend for more than 60 days due to COVID-19 but intends to resume their studies eventually.We are working closely with universities and are pleased to see that the sector is making every effort to enable students to continue their studies – including moving learning online either in the UK or in student's home country – so that their teaching and assessment can proceed. Students experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 should contact their higher education provider. Many providers have hardship funds which students can apply to for assistance.

Assessments: Languages

baroness coussins: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether supplementary schools which are (1) registered as community language examination centres, and (2) not registered as community language examination centres, have been informed that they can provide their language students with teacher assessments and predicted grades on the same basis as mainstream schools.

baroness berridge: This is a matter for the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) and I have asked its Chief Regulator, Sally Collier, to write directly to the noble Baroness. A copy of her reply will be placed in the House of Lords Library.

GCSE: Coronavirus

baroness coussins: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether students studying for GCSEs in a foreign language at a supplementary school will be eligible to sit the examination in the Autumn if they have been unable to do so this summerdue toCOVID-19.

baroness berridge: We are working with the independent qualifications regulator, Ofqual, and the exam boards to ensure that students have the opportunity to sit exams in the autumn. This includes those who have studied at supplementary schools. Ofqual will be consulting on proposed arrangements.

Assessments: Coronavirus

baroness coussins: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that all language students at supplementary schools who have been entered for a GCSE examination in that language this summer but are unable to sit it because of COVID-19 are refunded automatically with their full entrance fee.

baroness berridge: The department recognises that schools and colleges want clarity on exam fees following the announcement that GCSE exams will not take place this summer. The department and the exam boards are working together to ensure that they are provided with further information as soon as possible.

Educational Institutions

lord truscott: To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to re-open(1) schools, (2) colleges, and (3) universities; and when they intend to announce any such plans.

baroness berridge: As a result of the huge efforts everyone has made to adhere to strict social distancing measures, the transmission rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) has decreased. We therefore anticipate, with further progress, that we may be able to welcome back more children to early years, school and further education settings from the week commencing 1 June 2020. We will only do this provided that the five key tests set by government justify the changes at the time, including that the rate of infection is decreasing. As a result we are asking schools, colleges and childcare providers to plan on this basis, ahead of confirmation that these tests are met.From the week commencing 1 June 2020 at the earliest, we will be asking primary schools to welcome back children in Nursery, Reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority groups (vulnerable children and children of critical workers). We will ask secondary schools, sixth form and further education colleges to offer some face-to-face support to supplement the remote education of year 10 and year 12 (and equivalent) students who are due to take key exams next year, alongside the provision they are offering to priority groups.Regarding the re-opening of universities, the department expects universities, as autonomous institutions, to make their own judgements based on the latest Public Health England guidance. Universities are continuing to provide high quality teaching online. We are working with the higher education sector to develop guidance and best practice that will be needed for universities to make informed decisions about their provision.Additionally, we have also provided guidance to parents and carers about schools and education settings during the coronavirus outbreak: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers.

Ministry of Justice

Legal Aid Scheme: Coronavirus

lord boateng: To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have received about the impact of COVID-19 on the (1) livelihoods, (2) retention, and (3) recruitment of lawyers who are dependent on the legal aid scheme; and what action they intend to take as a result of any such representations.

lord keen of elie: The measures introduced by HM Treasury have provided some support to the profession. We are working closely with legal practitioners and other providers of legal support across the justice system at official and Ministerial level, to understand their concerns and the immediate and longer-term support needs to keep the justice system running during the crisis and beyond. The Legal Aid Agency, which administers legal aid on behalf of the Lord Chancellor, has taken steps designed to help support legal aid provision during this period including making money available to draw down as interim payments and halting debt collection. On 1 May, new hardship payment rules came into force for criminal practitioners allowing them to claim 1 month after they were first instructed instead of 6 months and to lower the threshold for work done on the case from £5,000 to £450. We estimate up to 20,000 cases under the LGFS (Crown Court litigators’ fee scheme) and 27,000 cases under the AGFS (Crown Court advocacy fee scheme) could be eligible under the new provisions, increasing the amount of funding brought forward (when combined with the interim payments already available) from £45m to £140m. We also recognise the impact of covid-19 on third sector advice organisations. This is why the Government announced that it is allocating £5.4 million in funding to specialist legal advice not for profit organisations, including Law Centres, in addition to the funding that the National Lottery Communities Fund is administering. We will continue to work with practitioners to support a strong legal services sector, which includes consideration of recruitment and retention within the professions with the ultimate aim of ensuring that the most vulnerable in society are provided with the representation and support they need.

Judiciary and Legal Systems

lord patten: To ask Her Majesty's Government whatassessment they have made ofthe interactionsbetween the (1) legal, and (2) judicial systems, in the UK and Poland.

lord keen of elie: The interaction between the Polish and UK legal systems is conducted within a framework of international law and practical cooperation. The UK Government has not held any assessment of the interactions between judicial systems in the UK and Poland. The separation of powers doctrine underpins the UK’s constitutional framework. The UK Government upholds the fundamental tenet of judicial independence. Judges are free to engage with other judiciaries independently without interference or oversight from the Executive. Any oversight of such activities would be for the Lord Chief Justice.

Judiciary and Legal Systems

lord patten: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the interactions between the (1) legal, and (2) judicial systems, in the UK andHungary.

lord keen of elie: The interaction between the Hungarian and UK legal systems is conducted within a framework of international law and practical cooperation. The UK Government has not held any assessment of the interactions between judicial systems in the UK and Hungary. The separation of powers doctrine underpins the UK’s constitutional framework. The UK Government upholds the fundamental tenet of judicial independence. Judges are free to engage with other judiciaries independently without interference or oversight from the Executive. Any oversight of such activities would be for the Lord Chief Justice.

Ministry of Defence

Nuclear Weapons: Security

lord campbell of pittenweem: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the resilience of the UK nuclear deterrent, particularly in relation to cyber threats.

baroness goldie: We continually assess the capability of the United Kingdom's nuclear submarine fleet to ensure its operational effectiveness and to maintain resilience and protection against both existing and emerging threats, including cyber threats. Her Majesty’s Government has absolute confidence in the robust measures in place to keep the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent safe and secure.

Department for Work and Pensions

Maternity Allowance

baroness lister of burtersett: To ask Her Majesty's Government why maternity allowance is not treated the same way as statutory maternity pay for the purposes of calculating Universal Credit; what estimate they have made of (1) the cost of doing so, and (2) the number of women claiming maternity allowance who are affected by that disparity, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

baroness stedman-scott: It is a longstanding principle of the welfare system that benefits are not paid to claimants with income available from other sources to support themselves. Where claimants have income available to meet their everyday living costs, such as Maternity Allowance (MA), it is right that their entitlement to Universal Credit (UC) is adjusted accordingly. The general principle is that unearned income, which is provided to meet everyday living costs, is taken into account in the calculation of UC. Where claimants have income available to meet their everyday living costs, their benefit entitlement is adjusted accordingly. This is particularly the case where there would be double provision of social security benefits and the same approach is applied to Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance. The difference in the treatment of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and MA in UC is not unintended and is a consequence of the simplification of the treatment of earned income in UC. One of the simplifications introduced by UC is for information on people’s earned income to be collected automatically through revenue information which we receive from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. This enables a claimant’s UC entitlement to be reassessed quickly in response to any changes in earnings. As statutory benefits (such as SMP) are paid by employers, and are an earnings equivalent, they are treated as earned income. However, other benefits paid to meet living costs, such as MA will continue to be taken fully into account in the UC assessment, as they have been with other legacy benefits. This simplification in the process of the treatment of earned income in UC is essential to make it responsive to changes in a claimant’s circumstances, and has been key to the vital role it has played in supporting people through this pandemic to date. The Department has made no estimate of (1) the cost, and (2) the number of women affected by the disparity, in the treatment of MA and SMP for the purposes of calculating UC, during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Universal Credit: Housing

baroness bennett of manor castle: To ask Her Majesty's Government how many applicants for the housing component of universal credit who have applied since 1 March will be subject to the spare room subsidy; and what percentage this is of the total applicants for the housing component since that date.

baroness stedman-scott: Data for claimants on Universal Credit with a Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy deduction is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Livestock: Hormone Treatments

lord jopling: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Gardiner of Kimble on 5 March (HL1872), why they have adopted the EU's legislation on the use of growth hormones in food production; and what caused the change in policy held by previous governments on that legislation within the Council of European Agricultural Ministers.

lord gardiner of kimble: As a Member State, the UK transposed EU Council Directive 96/22/EC (as amended) into domestic law ‘Animals and Animal Products (Examination for Residues and Maximum Residue Limits) (England and Scotland) Regulations 2015', with similar legislation for Wales and Northern Ireland. The law reflects UK Government policy on the use of growth hormones in food production and remains in force now we have left the EU. The UK is committed to maintaining our current high food safety and animal welfare standards and these protections will continue now we have left the EU.

Birds of Prey

lord patten: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the (1) number, and (2) geographical spread within England, of (a) buzzards, and (b) red kites.

lord goldsmith of richmond park: A report published by the British Trust for Ornithology estimates that the number of breeding buzzards in Great Britain is 61,500 – 85,000 pairs and the number of breeding red kites is 4,370 pairs (https://www.bto.org/our-science/publications/peer-reviewed-papers/apep-4-population-estimates-birds-great-britain-and). There is no similar data for English populations. However, buzzards are common throughout England and Natural England estimates that there are up to 30,000 breeding pairs. Natural England also estimate that there are 2,000 pairs of red kites which are most commonly found in central and southern England. The most recent information on the geographical distribution of birds in Britain is provided by the BTO’s 2007-2011 Atlas of breeding and wintering birds https://app.bto.org/mapstore/StoreServlet.

Horticulture

lord patten: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the UK horticultural industry.

lord gardiner of kimble: The Government recognises the crucial role that the UK’s horticulture industry plays in both feeding the country and promoting people’s wellbeing. It is clear that the coronavirus pandemic is having an impact on horticulture businesses up and down the country and the Government is acutely aware of the challenges facing parts of the industry at this time.We know it is vital that the sector has access to the labour it needs, and we are aware of concerns about the impact that current restrictions on the movement of people could have on the number of seasonal workers coming to the UK. We are therefore urgently considering what measures could be put in place to help mitigate labour shortages.We will continue to work closely with representatives from across the horticulture supply chain to identify what short-term and long-term support the sector needs. As horticulture is part of the agricultural sector, impacts of COVID-19 on the horticulture industry are being overseen by the UK Agricultural Market Monitoring Group, which meets weekly to monitor UK agricultural markets and to provide forewarning of any atypical market movements. During the coronavirus outbreak, this has allowed Defra and the devolved administrations to share the latest stakeholder information and data to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the agricultural industry, to ensure we have an evidence base of what is happening in specific markets and geographical regions.We will continue to monitor the situation and to work closely with the sector to assess and respond to emerging issues as they arise.

Horticulture: Coronavirus

the earl of sandwich: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether horticulture is as critical to the national economy as agriculture; and whether they plan to treat horticulture equally to agriculture in their plans for economic recovery.

lord gardiner of kimble: The Government recognises the crucial role that all agricultural sectors are playing during this time.As horticulture is part of the agricultural sector, impacts of COVID-19 on the horticulture industry are being overseen by the UK Agricultural Market Monitoring Group, which meets weekly to monitor UK agricultural markets and to provide forewarning of any atypical market movements. During the coronavirus outbreak, this has allowed Defra and the devolved administrations to share the latest stakeholder information and data to ensure we have an evidence base to assess the effects of COVID-19 on the agricultural industry, in specific markets, or geographical regions.Officials are having regular meetings with the different agricultural sectors to understand the specific issues affecting each sector. It is clear that the coronavirus pandemic is having an impact on horticulture businesses up and down the country and the Government is acutely aware of the challenges facing parts of the industry at this time. We have been working closely with the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) on reviewing when and how garden centres can reopen safely and as of May 13th 2020, garden centres have been allowed to reopen. This will allow businesses to sell their products directly to the public once again and in doing so bring about the wider benefits to consumers, especially for physical and mental wellbeing, which gardening can bring. There is extensive ongoing engagement being undertaken by the department with representatives from the horticulture supply chain to capture emerging issues and to identify what short-term and long-term support the sector, as a whole, needs.We will continue to monitor the situation and to work closely with the sector as restrictions are removed and recovery begins.

Roads: Litter

lord patten: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether the amount of littering from vehicles has increasedduring the last 12 months and, if so, by how much.

lord goldsmith of richmond park: The Government does not collect data on littering rates and has made no assessment of whether littering from vehicles has increased or decreased in the last 12 months. Data on a range of indicators relating to litter in England is published annually on GOV.UK at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/litter-and-littering-in-england-data-dashboard The most recently-published data indicated that around 9 in 10 sites in England met the required standards of cleanliness in 2017-18. Data for 2018-19 will be published later this year. Data from Keep Britain Tidy (KBT) shows that 94% of main roads, 89% of rural roads, and 93% of ‘other highways’ met the required standards of cleanliness in 2017-18, based on an independent survey of 7,200 sites across 25 local authorities. This is broadly comparable with their results from a similar survey for 2014-15, although differences in the survey sample and methodology prevent direct comparisons. The full 2017-18 report from KBT can be found online at: https://www.keepbritaintidy.org From April 2018, we have increased the powers available to councils to tackle littering from vehicles by giving councils in England and outside London new powers to issue civil penalties to the keeper of vehicles from which litter is thrown. Similar power are already held by councils in London.